Public Communications Program Manager

Imagine if you were given an opportunity to connect with others who want to keep our community the most livable, beautiful and safe it can possibly be. If you are interested in implementing strategic communication initiatives to enhance public engagement, promote transparency, and convey the city's initiatives and achievements effectively, you may be a great addition to our team. Make a difference with the City of Hutchinson!

The Public Communications Program Manager will play a crucial role in creating and implementing strategic communication initiatives to enhance public engagement, promote transparency, and convey the city's initiatives and achievements effectively. Expertise in crafting compelling narratives and utilizing various communication channels will play a pivotal role in fostering community engagement and support for the city's programs, services, and events.

A Day in the Life

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies to align with the city's goals and objectives, ensuring consistent messaging across all communication channels.
• Serves as content writer and editor for the City's digital communications, including websites, blogs, and social media. Supports and reviews department submittals and department communications. Works with staff to create content for the City's web page and social media outlets including, but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Manages related third-party vendor relationships.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders, including city officials, department heads, and community partners, to identify communication needs and opportunities.
• Craft engaging and persuasive content for press releases, newsletters, website updates, social media, and other communication materials.
• Manage media relations, acting as the primary point of contact for media inquiries and proactively seeking media opportunities to highlight the city's initiatives.
• Monitor and analyze media coverage and public sentiment, providing valuable insights to adjust communication strategies and enhance their impact.
• Oversee crisis communication plans and protocols to ensure accurate and timely dissemination of critical information during emergencies.
• Spearhead community engagement initiatives, including public relations events, press conferences, and town hall meetings, to facilitate two-way communication between the city and its residents.
• Utilize data analytics and audience research to inform communication strategies and measure the effectiveness of communication efforts.
• Stay abreast of emerging communication trends, technologies, and best practices, recommending innovative approaches to enhance the city's communication efforts.
• Collaborate with graphic designers, photographers, and videographers to produce visually appealing and compelling communication materials.
• Foster positive relationships with local community members, businesses, and other government agencies to promote collaboration and support for city initiatives.

What You Will Need to be Successful:

Education: A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related field.

Experience:

• Proven experience as a Communications Strategist, Public Relations Manager, or a similar role preferably in a government or public sector setting.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that deliver measurable results.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple initiatives simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of local government processes, policies, and issues is desirable but not required.

Certifications/License: A valid Kansas driver's license and acceptable driving record is required. IABC, PRSA or another similar professional accreditation is desirable.

The City of Hutchinson employs over 400 employees that serve our community every day. City employees make Hutchinson a great place to live, work, and play. We take pride in our work and it shows. Come be a part of a workforce that makes a difference! We're always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team.

City of Hutchinson is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.